At 12.46pm, the volunteer crew received an urgent callout to a vessel in difficulty on a mooring in Omaha Cove, Leigh Harbour. Initial reports indicated the boat may have been holed, with one person on board and taking on water.
Conditions were already extreme. Winds were sitting around 50 knots, with gusts pushing beyond 70 knots, combined with a high incoming tide driven by storm surge. Clearing the Sandspit river mouth and crossing Kawau Bay proved challenging, with large seas and significant floating debris making progress slow and demanding.
As the crew worked their way toward North Channel, the sea state continued to build. By the time they reached the area near Maori Rock, six metre breaking swells were running, with steep, unstable seas and sustained gale-force winds.
With five crew onboard, including two highly experienced skippers, the decision was made to turn back.
Radio communications indicated it was unlikely Coastguard would reach the vessel in distress before the occupant was forced to abandon it. With conditions worsening and a weather easing forecast within hours, the skipper of the day judged it unsafe to continue.
The call was a difficult one, but a necessary one. As a volunteer service, Coastguard skippers carry responsibility not only for those they assist, but for the safety of their crews.
Video captured during the attempt, now shared by Coastguard Kawau, shows just how violent the conditions were, with breaking seas surging around Maori Rock.
All crew returned safely. Thanks were extended by skipper Brett to Thelma, Rob, Marcus and Tim for their effort and judgement in exceptionally tough conditions.
